Wings pullout

14TH ANNUAL

NORTHWEST BIRDING FESTIVAL BLAINE • BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMOO

MARCH 11, 12 &13

Friday, March 11

Guided Fieldtrip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta B.C. 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. See details on page 4.

Photo: Joe Meche

Saturday, March 12

Festival Opening & Artist Reception 5 p.m.– 7 p.m.

ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO

10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

ALL DAY IN BIRCH BAY

Blaine Middle School

Loomis Trail Golf Club 4342 Loomis Trail Rd. • Blaine Cost: $10

Starting at 9 a.m.

975 H Street • Blaine

Meet featured artist Bev Connor and view her pen and pencil wildlife drawings as well as a gallery of bird images by professional photographers.

Enlightning presentation given by Jim Jorgensen and Maynard Axelson. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar.

Sunday, March 13

Free activities for the whole family! There will be indoor and outdoor activities to mix and match according to interests and the weather, including live raptor presentations by Sardis Raptor Center, wildlife exhibits and displays, kids’ activities including build your own bird house, workshops, expert speaker presentations, field trips and more!

See complete schedule on page 4.

Saturday, March 12

KEYNOTE FEATURED PRESENTATION:

“When Eagles Roar” by James Currie 5 p.m. • Cost: Free - donations welcome

Exploring the birds of Birch Bay and their habitat Start the day with a delicious breakfast and presentation at the BP Heron Center*, Birch Bay State Park. Followed by Birding and Photography Field Trips.

Conclude the day with falconer Dan Pike and learn about the Art of Falconry.

Details page 3. *Discovery Pass required for Parking

Blaine Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street, Blaine Stay on the edge of your seat as James Currie of the Discovery Channel’s popular birding show “Nikon’s Birding Adventures” tells his adventures from his book “When Eagles Roar.”

Check it all out on page 2. Sponsored by Phillips 66 and Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real Estate

Facebook.com/WingsOverWater

For complete details visit www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com or call 360-332-4544 EVENT SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSOR

Blaine, Birch Bay Community Newspaper

Blaine

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & Visitor Information Center

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS ON PAGE 3

Northwest Birding Festival

2016

FEATURED WILDLIFE PRESENTATION:

“When Eagles Roar” an amazing journey of an African wildlife adventurer A lifelong birder and native of South Africa, James Currie has many years of experience in the birding and wildlife tourism arenas. James has led professional wildlife and birding tours for more than 15 years, and his passion for birding and remote cultures has taken him to far corners of the earth.

Saturday, March 12 “When Eagles Roar”

by James Currie

WHERE: Blaine Performing Arts Center 975 H Street • Blaine TIME: 5 p.m.

COST: Free, donations welcome

James hosts the popular birding TV show, Nikon’s Birding Adventures, now in its 8th season and currently airing on Discovery Channel’s Destination America.

He also hosted the popular action-birding show “Aerial Assassins” on National Geographic WILD, aired in the United States and worldwide in 2012 and appeared as himself in the reality birding show, “Twitchers” that aired on the National Geographic Channel in 2014. James has appeared as a special guest on various TV shows and radio, and has been the subject of several newspaper articles including the Wall Street Journal, The Palm Beach Post and the Orlando Sentinel.

James filmed, consulted for and provided footage for the 2011 Hollywood birding movie, “The Big Year,” starring Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson.

A highly sought-after international speaker, James will bring the splendor of his worldwide birding adventures to all who attend his free keynote presentation at the Wings Over Water Birding Festival on Saturday, March 12 at 5 p.m., in the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine. James will also have copies of his new book, When Eagles Roar, and a book signing will follow his talk.

FEATURED SPEAKER: “Swans of Winter” by Martha Jordan •

This Featured Wildlife Presentation is Sponsored

by Phillips 66 and Kathy Stauffer/Windermere Real Estate

Saturday, March 12 • 10 -11:30 a.m. • FREE

Trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl in the world, have been brought back from the brink of extinction and once again grace our skies and waterways. They trumpet the success of our conservation efforts and continue to call us to action to protect farmland and wetlands. Martha Jordan, well-known swan biologist, will share some of the history and biology of Washington’s native Trumpeter and Tundra Swans and will shed some light on the problems and controversies these birds face on their wintering grounds and what is needed to ensure their future. Get updated on the swan lead poisoning die-off, habitat issues and more. She will share some excellent photos that help clarify the difficult identification of these swans and will provide free swan identification pamphlets at her presentation. Discover ways in which you can contribute to our understanding of swans in Washington just by doing what you already do outdoors.

Martha Jordan has a degree in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University. She began to look at swans in the late 1970s as an independent citizen, and by 1984 had contributed much information to state and federal agencies on the status of trumpeter swans in Washington State, including the first swan management plan.

She is currently the Executive Director of Northwest Swan Conservation Association, a regional non-profit.

Photo: Wayne Diaz

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival Official 2016 Poster Winning photograph by David Riffle.

The poster is available for purchase at the festival and online at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com For details for entering the 2017 Wings Over Water Festival Poster Contest go to: www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com

Experience Authentic Thai Cuisine with Waterfront Dining u 360-332-3267

• 825 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine u Just minutes from I-5 Exit 276 • www.ChadaThaiUSA.com

Valeri Wade

FREE advice Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30 Sat. 10-4

from friendly experts!

108 Ohio St. • Bellingham • 360-734-0969

WildBirdChalet.com

Visit us often!

April 30 & May 1: Semiahmoo Bay International Sailing Regatta May-Oct: Peace Arch International Sculpture Exhibition May-Labor Day: Alaska Packers Cannery Museum May 20-22: Springfest Art Tour Weekends Memorial Day-Labor Day: Historic Plover Passenger Ferry Rides Saturdays, June-Oct: Blaine Gardeners Market June 24-26: Peace Arch International Art & Music Festival July 4: Old Fashioned 4th of July parade, street fair and fireworks

July 10-16: Drayton Harbor Music Festival July 16: Art-2-Jazz Street Fair August 6-7: Drayton Harbor Days

raft race, tall ships, steam boats, arts & crafts, kids events

Welcome

Birders & Bird Watchers!

The Blaine/Birch Bay communities truly appreciate the amazing variety of birds found in our local bays and harbors. We invite you to join us in our celebration of their survival and beauty. Bring your friends, too!

L AW O F F I C E S O F

RogeR ellingson & Rajeev MajuMdaR jennifeR slatteRy, associate A law office serving bird watchers and birders alike, and always impressed by dunlins in flight.

Sundays, August 7-28: Peace Arch Park International Concert Series

Blaine Visitor Information Center 728 Peace Portal Dr., downtown Blaine

360-332-4544

www.BlaineChamber.com

289 H Street, downtown Blaine • 360-332-7000 www.NorthWhatcomLaw.com

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

EXPLORING

FEATURED ARTIST

BIRCH BAY

BIRDS AND THEIR HABITAT Sunday, March 13

Come Play at Birch Bay!

Enjoy a day in Birch Bay exploring birds, birds, birds!

A Birding Paradise!

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast for Birders - Marine Birds of the Salish Sea by Joe Meche Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Dr. Cost: $15 for Adults, $10 for children (under 12) *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

Visit us again for these fun events!

April 2 Birch Bay Road Race

Seating is limited. Reservations available online at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or on Saturday at the festival headquarters Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H St.

BEV CONNOR DREAMING OTTER ARTS

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and wildlife presentation by Joe Meche. An avid birder, wildlife photographer and writer, you will experience intimately through Joe’s stunning photographs the many bird species which live and migrate here to this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Joe has spent many years observing the birds of this premier birding area along the shores and bays of the Salish Sea. A founder of the festival and a favorite speaker at Wings Over Water for the last 14 years, his presentation will inspire you to explore the surrounding shorelines and estuaries of Birch Bay following the presentation.

Bev began drawing wildlife illustrations years ago while living in China. She has traveled the world and will be exhibiting a selection of her wildlife pen and pencil drawings at Wings Over Water. Bev is a self-taught artist, drawing from photographs; as it is difficult to “get a bird to sit still for a portrait.” She loves drawing feathers and including fine details in her realistic wildlife illustrations, considering herself more of a technician than an artist.

Meet Bev and enjoy an exhibit of her artwork at the Wings Over Water Opening Festival and Artist Reception on Friday night, March 11 at 5 p.m. at Loomis Trail Golf Club and on Saturday, March 12 at the all-day Birding Expo at Blaine Middle School from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Bev will also be demonstrating her pen and pencil drawings.

For more information about Bev Conner and Dreaming Otter Arts, visit her website at dreamingotterarts.com

BP Heron Interpretive Center

Sponsored by David Hiller, The Muljat Group Ferndale

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Explore Birch Bay Birds & Habitat

June 5 Subaru Guinness Event June 18-19 Kite Festival June 25-26 Coast Salish Days July 23-24 Sandcastle Competition July 29-31 Birch Bay Music Festival

Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

August 13-14 Roll Back Weekend

Seating is limited. Reservations available online @ www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or on Saturday at the festival headquarters Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H St.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Birch Bay Bird Walk

Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

After breakfast from the Heron Center, join Paul Woodcock on a Birch Bay Bird Walk to explore opportunities for bird viewing along the beaches of Birch Bay State Park and Terrell Creek Marsh, one of the few saltwater/fresh water estuaries still left in Northern Puget Sound.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Photo Shoot

August 27-28 Discover Birch Bay Days

Birch Bay Visitor Informaiton Center 7900 Birch Bay Dr. • 360-371-5004

BirchBayChamber.com

Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

Weather permitting, local photographer Wayne Diaz will lead a wildlife photo shoot with opportunities to photograph local bird species including eagles, brant, king fishers, song birds, dunlins, hawks, a variety of duck species, and blue heron. Bring your own camera equipment, a minimum of a 200 millimeter lens or a scope for use with digiscoping will result in the best images. Class size is limited to 10.

NEW

1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.: The Art of Falconry- by Dan Pike

Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park*, 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

Dan Pike has been a falconer since 1983 and breeds Harris hawks, goshawks, and falcons. Learn about the art of falconry, called by some “interactive bird watching” and by Aldo Leopold “the perfect hobby.” Please come prepared to ask him questions and learn more about this ancient practice!

WINGS OVER WATER 2016 SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS

For more information about Wings Over Water Birding NW Festival Birch Bay Activities call 360-371-5004.

Event Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

& GIFTS Home of Dawn’s

“Made in Birch Bay” Unique Birdhouses.

Handmade with beach materials.

PLUS Mac’s Critters bird puzzles,

(Financial Supporters in Bold)

Ace Hardware AMS Mailing Service Banner Bank Bellingham West Marine Big Al’s Birch Bay Waterslides Blaine Pizza Factory Blaine School District Blaine Pizza Factory

2016

Photo: Wayne Diaz

Bird & Wildlife Notecards!

Bob & Lois Franco Cathy White Chada Thai Chmelick,Sitkin & Davis Connie Taylor Blaine Cost Cutter Drayton Harbor Maritime David Riffle David Hiller Mulijat Group Dick McNeely

Blaine Harbor

Ed & Pat Kingshott Eric Ellingson Fortiphi Insurance Freeman Real Estate GLM Winery Heidi Holmes Hill’s Chevron Jana Turner Jim & Carolyn Calhoon Patricia & Jim Jorgensen

Visitor and permanent moorage available

Joe Meche Joyce Dippold Ken Salzman LFS Marine & Outdoor Blaine Little Caesar’s Pizza Little Red Caboose Café Lynden Christian School North Bellingham Golf Club Phil Calise NWcascades.com

Oxford Suites Pacific Building Center Paso Del Norte Paul Woodcock Peace Arch City Café Propack Inc Roger Ellingson Law Offices Seascape Condos Seaside Bakery Café Stafholt Good Samaritan

FAJITAS FOR TWO $ 99

22

(Chicken or Beef) Dine in only. Exp. 3/17/16.

Not valid with any other offers.

Full service marina to the San Juan & Gulf Islands Just 2 minutes from Interstate 5 & the U.S./Canada border

KARAOKE WITH

DJ RUDY Friday & Saturday Nights 8 pm - Midnight Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner!

BLAINE HARBOR

Hours: Thurs-Mon 11-5, • Closed Tues & Wed

371-0332

7620 Birch Bay Drive

Welcome Birders!

Try Our Delicious:

Salad Bar & Specialty Salads Pasta • Pizza • Sandwiches Homemade Soups • Calzones

www.portofbellingham.com (360) 647-6176 blaineharbor@portofbellingham.com

Sunny Brown Blaine Subway T.C. Trading Company, Inc. Totally Chocolate Umpqua Bank Van Wingerden Garden Center Washington Brant Foundation Wayne Diaz WECU Bank Yeager’s Sporting Goods

758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine • 332-4045 www.pasodelnorte.net

$2 OFF

Any XL Pizza of your choice.

Expires 3/31/16.

We Deliver! 360.332.3636 SERVING BEER & WINE Peace Portal Drive, Downtown Blaine

738 www.Pizza Factory.com/blaine

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

Northwest Birding Festival

2016

Friday, March 11th and Saturday, March 12th - EVENTS SCHEDULE FESTIVALEvent EVENT MAP Festival Map

FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Bus Charter Guided Field Trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, BC Where: Departure 8 a.m., Birch Bay Square (Behind Woods Coffee) 8130 Birch Bay Square Rd. Return time is approximate due to unpredictable border wait times.

Cost: $40 includes entrance fee and bag of bird seed.

Additional fee for Subway lunch options.

Experience a guided field trip to one of Canada’s top birding sites just 40 minutes across the border in Delta, BC: www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Passports or an enhanced driver’s license is required for crossing the US/Canada border. Online reservations and more information is available at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

NEW

Semiahmoo Resort Semiahmoo Golf - Spa Resort

APA Museum

Loomis Trail Golf Club

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: WOW Festival Opening and Artist Reception Where: Loomis Trail Golf Club • 4342 Loomis Trail Road • Blaine Cost: $10 Join us at the beautiful Loomis Trail Golf Club for a variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, a no host bar, and a silent auction. Meet featured artist Bev Connor of Dreaming Otter Arts, view an exhibit of her detailed pen and pencil wildlife drawings as well as a gallery of artistic bird images by local photographers. Jim Jorgensen, vice president of Wings Over Water NW will share opening comments followed by an inspiring presentation

by Maynard Axelson, president of the Washington Brant Foundation, as well as a board member and a founder of the Wings Over Water Festival.

Blaine Birch Bay Park & Rec

SATURDAY, MARCH 12TH

Expo Sponsored by BP Cherry Point Refinery & Darigold.

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Guided Field Trip to Semiahmoo Spit Where: Ticket Sales/Bus Departure from Blaine Middle School • 975 H St. Cost: $5 (includes snack)

Pre-registration is available on Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street.

This fieldtrip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Enjoy a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor, and learn from Jim Jorgensen, with a background in geology and ornithology what makes this such a intriguing area and premier birding location. Take a leisurely two hour walk lead by Naturalist, Paul Woodcock, on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view the birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Alaska Packers Association Museum to learn about the history of the area by Sunny Brown, APA Museum Coordinator.

Sponsored by AMS (Automated Mailing Services).

10 a.m. to Noon; and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Salish Sea Birding & Wildlife Cruise by San Juan Cruises & North Cascades Audubon Departure: Boat departs from Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock at 9565 Semiahmoo Dr. Cost: $50/pp. Pre-register online at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com* Join us again this year for a two hour open water cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50’ Salish Sea. View a diverse variety of seabirds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and the Strait of Georgia. Professional naturalists will be aboard to help spot the birds and wildlife you’ll see along the way. Dress for inclement weather, bring binoculars, and camera. The Salish Sea has plenty of indoor seating, as well as ample outdoor viewing areas on two levels of the boat. Seating is limited. Cruise may be sold out prior to festival.

Sponsored by Fortiphi Insurance and Mike Kent, Windermere Real Estate. *Cruise may be subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions.

If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruises* Where: Departure on the hour from Blaine Harbor- Boating Center Dock, 235 Marine Drive • Last departure is at 3 p.m.

Cost: $5 *There are no ticket sales from the dock.

Pre-registration is available on-line for $6 (includes processing fee) at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival. com or on Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Blaine Middle School - 975 H Street. Shuttle bus service will not be available. NOTE: Cruise may be sold out prior to the WOW Festival.

The historic Plover Ferry will be taking passengers on a guided nature cruise of Drayton Harbor & Semiahmoo Bay. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit: www.draytonharbormaritime.org.

Sponsored by the Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Live Raptor Presentation, “Hunters of the Sky”

by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free This is an exciting opportunity for up-close encounters with owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. Sponsored by Bob & Lois Franco.

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Salish Sea Open Water Birding & Wildlife Cruise - by San Juan Cruises & North Cascade Audubon See information and description above at 10 a.m. Cruise.

Sponsored by Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa.

10 a.m*. to 5 p.m.: All Day Birding Expo, Festival Headquarters & Information Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free Enjoy lots of free activities for the whole family. Kids’ fun includes arts & crafts, games, face painting and some wild surprises! Sponsored by Blaine Birch Bay NW Park and Recreation District 2. Other activities include expert wildlife speakers, Sardis Raptor Center live raptor presentations, food, art & craft vendors, wildlife exhibits and displays. *Make reservations, purchase tickets for Plover Ferry and Semiahmoo field trips starting at 8:30 a.m.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Kayaks & Bird Photography – by Joe Meche Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center • 235 Marine Drive Cost: Free Do you want to broaden your adventure as a bird watcher or bird photographer? Do you want to get closer to the action, beyond the reach of your spotting scope or telephoto lens? Perhaps it’s time to look into using a kayak to gain a new appreciation/perspective of the birds you’ve always seen from terra firma. Join Joe Meche as he takes us through the basics of kayaking essentials and then paddles us to some of his favorite places to kayak in search of birds. Joe’s virtual tour will take us to both salt and fresh water habitats to see a good mix of the birds you’ll find there.

Sponsored by Banner Bank.

Sponsored by Propack Inc and Chemelick, Sitkin & Davis.

8 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Blaine Community Pancake Breakfast Where: Blaine Senior Center • 763 G Street (across the street from Blaine Middle School /WOW Festival Headquarters) Cost: Adults $6, Children $4.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast with pancakes, waffles, biscuits & gravy or french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee & OJ.

NEW

BP Heron Center

10 a.m. ‘til gone: Kids’ Birdhouse Building Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street, Blaine Cost: Recommended Donation $1 Build a bird house to invite the local birds to make your backyard their home. (For kids up to age 14, while supplies last.)

Sponsored by Pacific Building Center and T.C. Trading Company.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Outdoor Bird Viewing Stations Where: Viewing station maps will be available at the Blaine Middle School.

Cost: Free Seeing is believing! You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascades Audubon are on hand to assist and answer questions. A map of bird viewing stations will be available at the registration desk.

Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society.

NEW

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Swans of Winter - by Martha Jordan Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street

Cost: Free Trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl in the world, have been brought back from the brink of extinction and once again grace our skies and waterways. Discover ways in which you can contribute to our understanding of swans in Washington. Martha Jordan is currently the Executive Director of Northwest Swan Conservation Association, a regional non-profit.

Sponsored by WECU (Whatcom Educational Credit Union).

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Museum Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway (Semiahmoo Spit) Cost: Free - Donations welcome Experience local maritime history, housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building. The museum exhibits tell the story of days gone by and include a scale model fish trap, antique machinery, a gallery of historic photos, and an original 28 foot Bristol Bay fishing boat. Sunny Brown APA Museum Coordinator will be available to provide a presentation about this rich time in Blaine’s history. For more information: www.draytonharbormaritime.org.

Sponsored by Drayton Harbor Maritime.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Youth “Bird Art” Workshop (ages 9 & up): Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free - Donations welcome Ever wanted to draw or paint a bird but couldn’t make it realistic? In this workshop, we will view & discuss cubist and abstract techniques in bird art. Participants will create ‘bird art’ through allowing the essence of the bird to flow from the parts that make a bird a bird. Class is taught by local artists Wendy and Megan Bloom. Maximum 15 participants.

NEW

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Photography Workshop: The Basics of Photographing Birds- by Photographer Ken Salzman Where: Blaine Middle School Classroom • 235 Marine Drive Cost: FREE Designed for beginner and novice photographers, this workshop will present the basics photographers need to know about capturing images of our feathered friends. Ken will share some of the tips and techniques that he has practiced for over 35 years of photographing birds and share the dos and don’ts related to getting good shots of all types of birds.

The workshop will be entirely in the classroom but having your camera with you might come in handy in reference to your camera’s functions and settings. Instructor Ken Salzman has been an avid birder and bird photographer since 1981 and currently serves on the board of the North Cascades Audubon Society. You can see some of Ken’s bird images at www.kensalzman.zenfolio.com. Sponsored by Barkley Village Company.

2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Blaine Elementary School Choir- lead

by Mike Coffey, Blaine Music Instructor Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria Stage Cost: Free The Blaine Elementary School Choir “Nightingales” will perform a few songs about our feathered friends.

NEW

2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Wildlife & Geology Field trip to Semiahmoo Spit Where: Ticket Sales/Bus Departure from Blaine Middle School • 975 H St. Cost: $5/pp includes snack

Pre-registration is available on Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street.

Take a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural spit, rich in history, geology and opportunities to view wildlife led by Joe Meche. Jim Jorgensen, whose background as a geology and ornithology teacher will share his knowledge with you of the unique geology of this area. This trip also includes a visit to the Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum. Sunny Brown, APA Museum Coordinator, will provide an insightful presentation about this rich time in Blaine’s history. There will be time to take a guided walk to view the birds and enjoy the natural beauty of the spit. Dress appropriately for inclement weather.

Sponsored by Hill’s Chevron.

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky”

by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free An exciting opportunity to have up-close encounters with many magnificent birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. All birds are residents of the center and have injuries that prevent their return to the wild.

Sponsored by Bob & Lois Franco.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Let’s Get Back to Nature: by “Bradley Smith Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street, Cost: Free State fish and wildlife agencies rely on hunting and fishing license sales revenue for a large part of their budget. With declining participation in such outdoor pursuits, how will that change the future of wildlife management.

How can we broaden the appeal of other activities that will get more people into nature? How can we “un-plug” the next generation and inspire them to get out-of-doors?

NEW

Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay NW Park and Recreation District 2.

Dr. Brad Smith currently serves as the Chair of the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Presentation: “Eagles Next Door” by David Hancock Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free Biologist, filmmaker, writer and publisher David Hancock will discuss the once endangered, eagles are a conservation success story with over 70,000 of these majestic birds thriving in North America today. We are lucky to live close to these majestic birds which thrive in our region. Learn how we can be good neighbors to these fascinating wild friends. Hancock Wildlife was recently featured on CBC’s Nature of Things with David Suzuki. The program focused on a year of activity at the White Rock eagle nests and others in the Metro Vancouver area.

Sponsored by Roger Ellingson Law Offices.

Sponsored by Ed & Pat Kingshott.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Featured Presentation: “The Roar of the Eagle” by James Currie Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: FREE (donations welcome) You won’t want to miss this year’s featured keynote speaker presentation by James Currie, National Geographic and Nikon’s Birding Adventures TV host, will tell riveting stories from his book When Eagles Roar - Tales of an African Birding Adventurer.

Sponsored by Phillips 66 and Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real Estate.

Find complete schedule of events at www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com